Patient Information - Sub-conjunctival Haemorrhage

The
front, white part of the eye is covered by a transparent membrane called
the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva has a rich blood supply. A sub-conjunctival
haemorrhage occurs when these tiny blood vessels leak, causing a small
amount of blood to gather between the sclera (white eye wall) and conjunctiva.
Because these membranes are transparent very small bleeds can look quite
dramatic. However, it is very common and will not damage your vision.

Photograph of a severe sub-conjunctival
haemorrhage.
Despite the
dramatic
appearance no treatment is
usually required.

Symptoms

The eye will look very bloodshot and you may have very mild discomfort or a feeling of something being in the eye.

Causes

Practically all sub-conjunctival
haemorrhages occur for no obvious reason and there is no associated illness.
They often occur after a bout of severe coughing or sneezing. Occasionally
there are associated with high blood pressure and if recurrent bleeds
occur it is worth checking your blood pressure.

The bloodshot appearance
usually disappears 7 to 14 days without treatment.

Disclaimer
The
information provided in this website is intended as a useful aid to general
practitioners, optometrists and patients. It is impossible to diagnose and
treat patients adequately without a thorough eye examination by a qualified
ophthalmologist, optometrist or your general practitioner. Hopefully the
information will be of use prior to and following a consultation which
it supplements and does not replace.